Style: March 01, 2019

A shout out
and a word
of praise!
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, as
we navigate our way through the first few
months of the year.
Some of that is directly due to a recent
set of experiences and my observations
of how individuals perform when they
are encouraged and praised. I know
there’s nothing earth-shattering in
that observation, but there’s definitely
something compelling.
Praise is defined as: The expression of approval
or admiration for someone or something.
And here’s the connection:
Over the past weekend, I attended an event
to support friends who were taking part in a
regional sports challenge. Having seen them
through their various transitions, I was off to find
a spot on one of the backroads where I could
wholeheartedly cheer them on.
What I got to experience has given me a whole
new insight into the value of praise because,
on my small corner of the course, I was able
to acknowledge and cheer on some 200
athletes. The reaction to a simple sentence of
encouragement was profound. To a man (and
woman) many of the competitors picked their
pace up, took the time to nod or smile and even
(despite the difficulty of that moment in the
event) shout out a quick ‘thank you’. All of us felt
better for the exchange. It made me wonder
how often we hinder each other’s progress by
not positively acknowledging good work or
offering praise based on a positive action.
At this time of the year we are preparing for
business planning, one of the most significant
and serious parts of our annual calendar.
Inevitably, we spend time analysing different
aspects of the year, including our strengths,
challenges and opportunities. Being in business,
the opportunity to berate yourself for missing
a target or botching a new process – or
interacting without always considering the 100
other agendas – is always on the cards but the
simple experience of being praised for the items
done well goes a long way.
A Stamford professor, Carol Dweck, has spent
some 40 years studying the growth mindset
and the part praise plays in it. Although her
studies captured the responses of children
when praised, I think the passage of years
doesn’t make too much difference.
So, make someone’s day by offering genuine
encouragement and praise. For me, that shout
out goes to homeowners, especially those that
assist in the transaction process by heeding
the recommendations of their property
professionals and remaining open to measured,
well-considered feedback.
Like the cyclists I watched climbing steep
hills, I also get to work with some consultants
climbing incredible mountains of their own.
Here’s to that ascent being praiseworthy and
wholehearted whilst they deliver results for
their clients.
And, as far as the business planning we
have ahead of us goes, another sportsbased
analogy comes to mind:
Strengthen the core and disrupt the edges.
Thank you, Bert.
Lynette McFadden
HARCOURTS GOLD BUSINESS OWNER
HARCOURTS NZ INSPIRATIONAL
WOMENS AMBASSADOR
I love gold
because...
It’s been my life’s work and together with
my partners, John McFadden and Cameron
Bailey, we’ve created a company that is one
of the most successful real estate businesses
in New Zealand.
Contact me today on PH 0274 320 447
to discuss joining this great team!
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URT
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BEST!
LYNETTE MCFADDEN BUSINESS OWNER
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